Ten students from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga were recognized today as recipients of the AT&T Distinguished Scholars Program.
The AT&T Distinguished Scholars program was established in partnership with the University of Tennessee to open the doors to higher education for 50 deserving students across the state of Tennessee.
“Opening the doors to higher education for more Tennesseans is one of the central missions of the University of Tennessee system,” said Dr. Steve Angle, Chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. “Thanks to this scholarship program, deserving students are receiving financial assistance. This is good for these students, good for the University and good for the state of Tennessee.”
“At the state level, we are making every effort, through TN Promise and other programs to ensure that students across the state have the skills and educations they need to be successful in their careers,” said State Senator Bo Watson. “At the same time, we all know that public efforts alone will not be sufficient to help our young people stay in the classroom, and private funding for scholarship programs like the Distinguished Scholars Award are key to developing the workforce of the future here in Tennessee.”
Representative Gerald McCormick, Majority Leader of the Tennessee House of Representatives, echoed that sentiment.
“Leadership in Nashville has placed a strong focus on raising the standards in our middle schools and high schools, and as a result, our high school graduates are better prepared for the rigors of a college curriculum,” he said. “At the same time, many students struggle with the financial requirements of higher education, and scholarship programs from the private sector like this are key to ensuring that more Tennesseans achieve their dreams of college educations.”
“Every year, graduates from UT Chattanooga enter the workforce here in Hamilton County, and the skills they develop at UT Chattanooga give us a workforce that is very attractive to employers,” said Hamilton County Mayor, Jim Coppinger. “I am thrilled to see the efforts of Sen. Watson, Rep. McCormick, and our teachers and administrators producing students that are better-prepared for college, and I am also very excited about the continuing private investment in scholarship programs to ensure that these students are better-able to pursue a college education.”
UTC Recipients of this year’s Distinguished Scholar Awards are:
- Erin Michelle Clingerman, Lobelville, Tenn.
- Stephen M Beech, Goodlettsville, Tenn.
- Ryan H. Brewington Westmoreland, Tenn.
- Kenny Aaron Abel, Greenbrier, Tenn.
- Logan Paige Neuenschwander, Hendersonville, Tenn.
- Yonishka L Voorhees, Ripley, Tenn.
- KatherineThomas, Memphis, Tenn.
- Jamesia Chantel Robinson, Springfield, Tenn.
- Brady Jacob Sims, Hixson, Tenn.
- William M. Armor, Hixson, Tenn.
Eligible AT&T Scholarship recipients are determined based upon admitted students’ FAFSA forms (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). After FAFSA review, those eligible for AT&T Scholarships will be selected by the Office of Financial Aid at each campus, with all AT&T scholarships approved by the Director of Financial Aid for each campus.
Historically, supporting education has been a major focus for AT&T, and education continues to be a key philanthropy focus for the company. In 2008, AT&T launched AT&T Aspire, specifically focused on confronting the high school dropout crisis to help ensure that students graduate prepared for the future challenges of continuing education and the workforce. In 2012, AT&T renewed its commitment to Aspire with a $350 million investment planned over five years. In Tennessee, $1,015,422 has been invested through the Aspire program. AT&T has also provided Job Shadow opportunities for 702 students in Tennessee, teaming them up with employees to help them learn the educational background and skills they need to succeed on the job.
“Investing in our communities is part of AT&T’s core values,” said Joelle Phillips, President of AT&T Tennessee. “I want to thank Senator Watson, Representative McCormick and the other members of the Tennessee General Assembly who have worked hard to create a welcoming economic environment in Tennessee that helps companies like AT&T invest in our state, create jobs and contribute to worthy endeavors like this.”
